Arts services for you

Art areas of interest

Creative Bedfordshire is coming to Central Bedfordshire. Come along to network with Bedfordshire’s creative community. Creative Bedfordshire is for creatives of all kinds living and working in Bedfordshire, so whether you work in the arts, run a creative business or are a freelance artist, designer, actor, producer, maker or musician (or commission them), this network is for you. Meetings are informal and there will be opportunity to share your news and projects with the rest of the group through an 3 minute open mic slot. As this is the first Central Bedfordshire meeting we will be asking you to tell us what you need to help your business and industry grow. We will provide updates on the local business support available to you.

The first Central Bedfordshire meeting takes place on the 3rd October between 7pm and 9pm and will be hosted by Bonfire Creative Intelligence, an award winning design agency based at 3c Woburn Street, Ampthill. Creative Bedfordshire is free of charge to attend thanks to the generosity of Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and Bedford Creative Arts but booking is required. To book your place please email Bedford Creative Arts with ‘Creative Bedfordshire Central’ in the subject line. Light refreshments will be provided.

The work of the Arts Development team is informed by the council’s vision, which is to improve the quality of life of all in Central Bedfordshire, and enhance the unique character of our communities and our environment.

Through Central Bedfordshire’s Strategic Plan 2009 – 2011 the 5 main priorities of which are:

supporting and caring for the ageing population

educating, protecting and providing opportunities for children and young people

managing growth effectively

creating safer communities

promoting healthier lifestyles

The Arts Development Team aim to increase access to and participation in high quality Arts and Cultural activities and events for all ages and abilities.

Central Bedfordshire Arts Team does not currently have a budget for arts funding.

However, if you or your arts organisation have an idea or project that you would like to fulfil, here are a few ideas as to where to go for some help with funding. Please be aware that most funding bodies do require you to find some of the cost of the project.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity - the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is a grant maker supporting local community groups and charities

Community and Voluntary Service - an umbrella organisation that supports and represents the interests of voluntary organisations, community groups and charities in Bedfordshire

National Lottery Funding (NFL)

Awards for All (aimed at local communities - grants of £500 - £500,000)

Grants for the Arts (£1K - £100K)

Big Lottery (£300 - £10K)

Youth Music

Youth Music is the UK's largest children's music charity providing funding for music projects and activities.

There are also many grant giving bodies and trusts to be found on the Internet. They are often art form or agenda specific (e.g. awards just for sculptors or poets; awards just for young people or older people)

If you require any further information or clarification then please do not hesitate to contact us via 0300 300 8305.